There are only a few nations in the world with hunting in their legends of origin. According to the old Hungarian legend of "Hunor and Magor", the two brothers got to the modern–day territory of Hungary from the Eastern lands by chasing a miraculous stag. The “Wonderhart” has been a Magyar national symbol ever since and is one of the oldest Hungarian totem animals.

The Magyars had been attached to hunting with thousands of strings during their history. In the art work of early masters there are huntsman pursuing game, saker falcon and hounds chasing prey in Hungary.

In medieval times, the game parks of the Hungarian kings had an international reputation. Historically, Hungary, situated in the Carpathian-basin has always been rich with many game species. Before the spread of fire arms, ancient hunting methods were used; falconry, hunting with greyhounds and with cold steel.

The golden age of hunting in Hungary started at the end of the 19th century, when conscious game keeping was introduced on big estates. Like in England, the right of hunting came together with the estate; the owner had the legal right to choose who he let hunt on his estate. The West-European educated Hungarian aristocracy had mixed Magyar traditions with the newest European knowledge as well, so the stock of game increased..

After the 1910 hunting exhibition in Wien, hunting trips to Hungary by Western Europeans became more frequent. Hungarian deer and bear in the Transylvanian region became well known worldwide. The first hunting magazine, Vadaszlap, had been issued in 1880 and the first books about the subject just were being written; the hunting act was passed in 1883 and stayed in force for 70 years.

Due to the Treaty of Trianon (the peace agreement signed in 1920 after World War I), Hungary lost two thirds of its territory and hunting in the country took ten years to recover. Thanks to first-rate game keeping, scores of foreign huntsman have now discovered Hungary. The hunting icon of the era, count Zsigmond Szechenyi, had Indian Maharajas and European aristocrats invited to shootings and hunting on his estate. His books have fostered interest in hunting for generations.

During World War II, Hungary became a war zone. So, once again, it took several years to recover. In 1971 the World Hunting Exhibition was held in Hungary. It was a sign of reviving traditions. On the world rank list, Hungarian big game has exceptionally good rankings; first ranked wild boar as well as fellow deer taken in Hungary.

A turn for the better happened after the fall of the socialist regime. Ancient traditional and unique hunting in Hungary has recovered with outstanding game stocks once again. Roe deer, pheasant, wild boar and the red stag of legends has returned. If you would like to take part in hare shooting or would like to go mouflon hunting you can find it in Hungary. Through our Transylvania contacts it is possible to go wolf or European brown bear hunting as well. You could be the next world record holder after hunting in the long-established Hungarian and Transylvanian region. Please get in touch with us and take a look at our photo and video gallery.